Multiple afocal adaptor for mobile devices

ABSTRACT

In some aspects, an afocal adaptor for an optical device comprises a housing. The housing includes a first and a second optical channel. A divider is configured between the first optical channel and the second optical channel to prevent transmission of electromagnetic radiation between the first optical channel and the second optical channel. At least one lens is associated with each of the first optical channel and the second optical channel. A particular at least one lens is configured to provide a focal point for each of the first optical channel and the second optical channel and to guide a particular type of electromagnetic radiation through each of the first optical channel and the second optical channel. The electromagnetic radiation is guided into a corresponding first receiving optical channel and a second receiving optical channel associated with the optical device. A coupling mechanism is attached to the housing and configured to permit attachment of the housing to the optical device.

This Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/599,360, filed on Jan. 16, 2015, and now Issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 10,175,463 on Jan. 8, 2019; which claims priority under35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/928,711, filed on Jan. 17, 2014. The entire contents of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/61/928,711 is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Changing optical characteristics associated with received image datawhen using an existing optical device (e.g., a thermal camera) is oftendesired by users of optical devices, but typically difficult and/orexpensive to accomplish. For example, changing field-of-view,magnification, and/or otherwise influencing received electromagneticradiation (e.g., infrared and optical wavelength light used in a thermalimaging solution with both optical and thermal image sensors) typicallyrequires a custom optical solution, a computer processing solution,and/or a new optical device/components. Typically, optical adaptors donot fit standard optical devices (e.g., mobile computing device cameras)and often require custom solutions. However, custom solutions can bevery expensive, impractical for use with standard mobile computingdevices, difficult to maintain, and can quickly become technologicallyobsolete with advancements in camera/optical technology.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermal imaging adaptor for use with amobile device.

FIG. 2A is a transparent perspective view of a conically shaped multipleafocal adaptor for use with mobile devices (“afocal adaptor”) accordingto an implementation for use with the thermal imaging adaptor of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a transparent perspective view of a rectangular-shaped afocaladaptor according to an implementation for use with the thermal imagingadaptor of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a transparent side view of the afocal adaptor of FIG. 2Acoupled to the thermal imaging adaptor of FIG. 1 and illustrating oneset of afocal lenses according to an implementation.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the afocal adaptor of FIG. 2B coupled tothe thermal imaging adaptor of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A is a top view of a quad afocal adaptor according to animplementation.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the lens assembly of the quad afocal adaptorof FIG. 5A according to an implementation.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the afocal adaptor of FIG. 2A illustrating theuse of multiple lenses per optical channel according to animplementation.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the afocal adaptor of FIG. 2A using a mirrorassembly to guide electromagnetic radiation within an optical channelaccording to an implementation.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure relates to a multiple afocal adaptor for mobile devices(“afocal adaptor”). The details of one or more implementations of thesubject matter of this specification are set forth in the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings to enable a person of ordinaryskill in the art to practice the disclosed subject matter. Otherfeatures, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will becomeapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

An afocal system is formed by the combination of two optical focalsystems. Described is an afocal adaptor for mobile devices that allowsfor magnification of received electromagnetic radiation simultaneouslyby two or more digital camera systems. For example, each digital cameramay each have an input field-of-view of one-hundred thirty-five degrees,and the afocal adaptor may allow magnification levels of 2-, 3-, 4-,and/or 5-times of a received image for use by the optical focal systemof each of the digital camera systems.

Changing optical characteristics associated with received image datawhen using an existing optical device (e.g., a thermal camera) is oftendesired by users of optical devices, but typically difficult and/orexpensive to accomplish. For example, changing field-of-view,magnification, and/or otherwise influencing received electromagneticradiation (e.g., infrared and optical wavelength light used in a thermalimaging solution with both optical and thermal image sensors) typicallyrequires a custom optical solution, a computer processing solution,and/or a new optical device/components. Typically, optical adaptors donot fit standard optical devices (e.g., mobile computing device cameras)and often require custom solutions. However, custom solutions can bevery expensive, impractical for use with standard mobile computingdevices, difficult to maintain, and can quickly become technologicallyobsolete with advancements in camera/optical technology.

An afocal adaptor can be used to remedy the above-described concerns andmay provide one or more of the following advantages. First, the afocaladaptor can allow quick and inexpensive changes to opticalcharacteristics of received image data when using an existing opticaldevice. For example, the afocal adaptor can permit changingfield-of-view, magnification, and/or otherwise influencing receivedelectromagnetic radiation (e.g., infrared and optical wavelength lightused in a thermal imaging solution with both optical and thermal imagesensors) with optical devices (e.g., mobile computing device cameras).Second, the afocal adaptor also allows changing the above-describedoptical characteristics without a custom optical solution, a computerprocessing solution, and/or a new optical device/expensive components.Third, users have the option to rapidly change the afocal adaptor to onewith different optical/performance characteristics based on a needed use(e.g., a user needs to switch from a thermal magnification solution to avisible light high-magnification and narrow field-of-view solution).Afocal adaptors can be produced for many types of optical devices and inmany different configurations and are inexpensive enough to eitherreadily purchase, update, and/or replace if necessary based on a desiredneed, technological advancements, etc. Other advantages will be apparentto those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view 100 of a thermal imaging adaptor 101 foruse with a mobile device (note, the mobile device is situated underneathand at least partially covered by (at least on the adjacent surface tothe thermal imaging adaptor 101) the pictured thermal imaging adaptor101). As illustrated, the thermal imaging adaptor 101 provides twodigital cameras (e.g., an optical camera 102 and a thermal imagingcamera 104). In other implementations, more or fewer than two digitalcameras can be provided. For example, an additional third digital cameracan provide an additional optical camera 102 to provide realisticthree-dimensional thermal images. Another example could include anadditional low-light camera to provide low-light functionality. In someimplementations, the thermal imaging adaptor 101 also provides anactivation switch 106. In some implementations, the mobile device canalso provide a digital camera 108 (here shown with a flash element).

The thermal imaging adaptor 101 can also be configured with an imagerplate 110 and an imager ring 112. As illustrated, the imager plate 110and the imager ring 112 have smooth, non-engagement surfaces, but inother implementations, the imager plate 110 and the imager ring 112 cansingly or both be configured with various surfaces (e.g., an engagementsurface such as notches, threads, holes, attachment points, etc.) toallow the attachment of devices (e.g., an afocal adaptor) over theoptical camera 102 and the thermal imaging camera 104 of the thermalimaging adaptor 101.

FIG. 2A is a transparent perspective view of a conically shaped afocaladaptor 200 a according to an implementation for use with the thermalimaging adaptor of FIG. 1.

The illustrated afocal adaptor 200 a has two optical channels 204 and206, respectively. In some implementations, each optical channel 204/206forms a separate mechanical/optical assembly (e.g., lenses, supportstructures, etc.). The optical channels 204/206 can be coupled together(e.g., by adhesives, mechanical means such as screws, clips, etc.) toform an assembly. Each optical channel typically has at least two lensesto provide magnification and/or functionality, but more or fewer thantwo lenses per optical channel is within the scope of this disclosure.For example, optical channel 204 has lenses 208 a and 208 b, and opticalchannel 206 has lenses 210 a and 210 b, but, in some implementations,each optical channel could contain three or more lenses. For thepurposes of this disclosure, lenses 208 a and 210 a will be referred toas “upper” lenses, while lenses 208 b and 210 b will be referred to as“lower” lenses. FIG. 6 is a side view 600 of the afocal adaptor 200 a ofFIG. 2A illustrating the use of multiple lenses per optical channelaccording to an implementation. In some implementations, mechanisms (notillustrated—e.g., a worm drive, etc.) can be configured within eachoptical channel to move one or more lenses in relation to each otheralong or perpendicular to the optical channel formed by the lenses(e.g., to provide magnification and focus/alignment functionality). Eachoptical channel can, in some implementations, contain different numbersof lenses when compared to each other. Also note that FIG. 6 illustratesthe use of a single upper lens 602 as opposed to two or more coupledlenses such as 208 a and 210 a (described in more detail below).

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a side view 700 of the afocal adaptor 200a of FIG. 2A using a mirror assembly 702 to guide electromagneticradiation within an optical channel according to an implementation. Insome implementations, additional and/or different structures/assembliescan be used to guide received electromagnetic radiation within anoptical channel (here, from lens 208 a to lens 208 b). In the case ofmirror assembly 702, the mirror assembly 702 allows for larger diameter“upper” lens(es) (e.g., lens 208 a) to be used to increase magnificationbut to keep an afocal adaptor housing 218 shorter in the direction ofthe optical channel.

Each optical channel is distinct and separated by a divider 212 toprevent electromagnetic radiation from “bleeding”/transmitting into theother optical channel and causing interference (e.g., optical vs.infrared). In some implementations, the divider 212 can be coupledbetween the two or more mechanical/optical assemblies. For example, thedivider 212 can be a strip of an opaque substance such as plastic,metal, etc. At least a portion of the divider 212 can also be integrallymolded into the afocal adaptor housing 218 to provide a physicaldivision between each mechanical/optical assembly. In someimplementations, the divider 212 also extends between the lenses toprevent electromagnetic radiation from transmitting through the edge ofa lens into a different optical channel.

Optical channels are typically oriented vertically at a ninety degreeangle and are spaced to align with the spacing of the center ofreceiving digital camera apertures. For example, optical channels 204and 206 would be oriented at ninety degrees and spaced to align withapertures of optical camera 102 and thermal imaging camera 104,respectively. In other implementations, optical channels can be at someother angle and spacing and use mirrors (see, e.g., FIG. 7) or otherstructures to guide electromagnetic radiation into the apertures ofreceiving digital camera at the proper angle and spacing.

Each set of lenses associated with a distinct optical channel isconfigured to transmit and/or influence/modify a particular type ofelectromagnetic radiation before receipt by a digital camera associatedwith the thermal imaging adaptor 101 of FIG. 1. For example, lenses 208a and 208 b can be configured of glass, plastic, etc. that istransparent to optical wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (such asthose used in a mobile device digital camera used to take standarddigital photographs). Lenses 210 a and 210 b, however, can be configuredto be transparent to infrared (IR) radiation such as in thermal imagingsystems. In some implementations, lenses 210 a and 210 b can beconfigured of Germanium (Ge), quartz, AMTIER, barium fluoride, calciumfluoride, sodium chloride, CLEARTRAN, fused silica, silicon,polyethylene, IR transparent ceramics, and/or any other type ofsubstance transparent to infrared electromagnetic radiation.

In some implementations, the lenses can be made of the same substance(or, as shown in FIG. 6, a single lens can be used) as long astransparent to both optical and IR radiation wavelengths, e.g., quartz,polyethylene, etc. In some implementations, corresponding lenses (e.g.,208 a and 210 a) for each of the two optical channels may be configuredas two (or more) lenses from a single unit of a substance to provideelectromagnetic radiation transmission to their respective opticalchannels (e.g., 204 and 206).

In some implementations, a single lens (e.g., refer to FIG. 6) can beused to channel electromagnetic radiation within two (or more) opticalchannels (e.g., to the two digital cameras associated with the thermalimaging adaptor 101). For example, if the thermal imaging adaptor 101was configured with an additional camera added to provide low-lightfunctionality, the single lens can be used to channel electromagneticradiation to the three optical channels for reception by respectivedigital cameras.

The lenses associated with each optical channel provide a focal pointfor the optical channel. In some implementations, the focal point forall optical channels are the same (e.g., focused at 50 feet beyond theupper lens of the afocal adaptor). In other implementations, one or moreoptical channels can have varying focal points in relation to each other(e.g., one optical channel focused at 50 feet and one optical pathfocused at 75 feet).

In the illustrated afocal adaptors 200 a and 200 b, the lenses arecoupled together. For example, the lenses can be coupled with adhesive,etc. as part of separate optical channel assemblies. In the case of FIG.2A, lenses (e.g., 208 a and 210 a) have been scalloped along an edge andcoupled to fit within the conically shaped afocal adaptor housing. FIG.2B is a transparent perspective view of a rectangular-shaped afocaladaptor according to an implementation for use with the thermal imagingadaptor of FIG. 1. In the case of FIG. 2B, the lenses (e.g., 208 a and210 a) have been scalloped to form a rectangular shape to fit within therectangular-shaped afocal adaptor housing 218. In other implementations,lenses can be scalloped in more complex shapes (e.g., a “crescent moon”or other shape) to fit within whatever shape the afocal adaptor housingtakes or for a particular purpose.

In some implementations, the upper and lower lenses of the afocaladaptor 200 a create a hermitic seal for each mechanical/opticalassembly when installed into the afocal adaptor housing 218. Forexample, the assembly with lenses 210 a/b may be purged with nitrogen orother type of gas to prevent water vapor from interfering with IRtransmission through the assembly to the thermal imaging camera 104 ofthe thermal imaging adaptor 101.

Although not illustrated, the afocal adaptor housing 218 can beconfigured with various coupling structures/mechanisms (e.g., threads,notches, holes, etc.) to permit coupling the afocal adaptor 200 a to thethermal imaging adaptor. In most implementations, the couplingstructures will be located in the region of the housing 218 near thelower lenses at the “bottom” of the afocal adaptor. In the case of FIG.2B, an additional housing can be attached around the lower rectangularportion of the afocal adaptor housing 218 to allow a seamless andaesthetic coupling with the circular-shaped portion of the thermalimaging adaptor 101 (imager plate 110 and imager ring 112). For example,the coupling structure could be a locking-type surface that is insertedinto a corresponding mating-type surface and slid/twisted into place tolock the afocal adaptor 200 a against the thermal imaging adaptor 101.

The afocal adaptor 200 a can, in some implementations, also have amagnification/focal adjustment mechanism 220. The mechanism 220 isillustrated as a switch-type mechanism, but could also include a wheel,lever, button, twist-type assembly, or other mechanism 220. Themechanism 220 allows the afocal adaptor 200 a to increase/decreasemagnification to the thermal imaging adaptor 101, focus the receivedelectromagnetic radiation, etc.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, theillustrated afocal adaptors 200 a and 200 b are for illustration onlyand can contain additional supporting structures, mechanisms, etc.consistent with this disclosure that are not illustrated (e.g., lensmounting rings, adjustment mechanisms, etc.) For example, a worm drivecould be used within an optical channel to allow to move a lens situatedbetween lenses 208 a and 210 a along the optical axis between lenses 208a and 210 a to vary magnification. As another example, the afocaladaptor can have a mechanism providing for a multiple part afocaladaptor housing 218 and allowing for a twist of the afocal adaptorhousing 218 to vary a magnification between a first magnification valueand a second magnification value (e.g., 2× and 4×). The afocal adaptorcan also have various other configurations, shapes, etc. that areconsistent with this disclosure. For example, FIG. 2B is a transparentperspective view of a rectangular-shaped afocal adaptor 200 b accordingto an implementation for use with the thermal imaging adaptor of FIG. 1.In the illustrated afocal adaptor 200 b, the lenses can be, for example,scalloped to provide the necessary shape to fit within the afocaladaptor housing 218.

FIG. 3 is a transparent side view 300 of the afocal adaptor 200 a ofFIG. 2 coupled to the thermal imaging adaptor 101 of FIG. 1 andillustrating one set of afocal lenses (e.g., 208 a/210 a or 208 b/210 b)according to an implementation. As illustrated, afocal adaptor 200 a iscoupled with the thermal imaging adaptor 101 of FIG. 1.

Received electromagnetic radiation 302 is channeled by the lenses 208a/b and/or 210 a/b, respectively, into corresponding cameras (e.g.,optical camera 102 and thermal imaging camera 104). Note that the lensesand simulated electromagnetic radiation 302 (and other similar exampleswithin this disclosure) are for illustrative purposes only and notintended to illustrate actual behavior of any particular type of lensand/or lens assembly and/or actual behavior of electromagneticradiation.

Although not illustrated, the afocal adaptor 200 a can be coupled to thethermal imaging adaptor 101 in different ways. For example, the imagerplate 110 can be made of a magnetically attractive material (e.g., iron,steel, and/or other ferromagnetic/paramagnetic materials, etc.) and theafocal adaptor housing 218 can be configured with a magnet to secure theafocal adaptor 200 a to the thermal imaging adaptor 101 (or vice versa).In some configurations, the afocal adaptor 200 a can be configured withthreads, clips, screws, etc. to allow it to be coupled with the thermalimaging adaptor 101. For example, the imager ring 112 can be threaded toengage with threads and/or other structures configured into the afocaladaptor housing 218.

In other implementations, a mounting ring (not illustrated) can beadhered (e.g., with adhesive, tape, weld, screws, clips, etc.) to theimager plate 110 and/or imager ring 112 to provide a mounting structurefor the afocal adaptor. For example, the mounting ring can be configuredwith threads and/or a twist-to-lock/unlock type of structure to allowthe afocal adaptor to be screwed into place and locked/unlocked in acorrect orientation with the thermal imaging adaptor 101 digitalcameras. Other mounting solutions are also possible. For example, aclip-type assembly could be used to couple a mounting ring to the imagerplate 110/imager ring 112 where the clips attach to the sides/edges ofthe thermal imaging adaptor 101 to provide a secure mounting point forthe afocal adaptor as described above. In some implementations, theafocal adaptor could be configured with mounting clips to attach theafocal adaptor to the sides/edges of the thermal imaging adaptor 101. Aswill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, other variouscoupling mechanisms consistent with this disclosure to couple the afocaladaptor and the thermal imaging adaptor 101 are possible and areconsidered to be within the scope of this disclosure. The illustrationsare not meant to limit the afocal adaptor in any way and also apply toafocal adaptor 200 b of FIG. 2B (or any other afocal adaptor consistentwith this disclosure).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view 400 of the afocal adaptor 200 b of FIG. 2Bcoupled to the thermal imaging adaptor 101 of FIG. 1. As illustrated,the afocal adaptor covers the thermal imaging adaptor 101 digitalcameras to provide magnification, etc. for incoming electromagneticradiation through lenses 208 a and 210 a and the corresponding opticalchannels 204 and 206, respectively.

In some implementations, one or more optical channels (e.g., 204/206)can be disabled simultaneously or individually. For example, an afocaladaptor can be configured with a switch, lever, button, etc. (for eachoptical channel or for the afocal adaptor as a whole) that can be usedto occlude one or more optical channels (e.g., 204/206). An example maybe to allow the optical camera 102 to take a photograph while thethermal imaging adaptor is operating while blocking any electromagneticradiation associated with the thermal imaging camera 104.

FIG. 5A is a top view of a quad afocal adaptor 500 a according to animplementation. In the view 500 a, four lenses 502, 504, 506, and 508are coupled together and can serve as a group as either upper or lowerlenses. As described above, each lens is scalloped into asquare/rectangular shape and then coupled together as part of a separateoptical channel assembly.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the lens assembly 500 b of the quad afocaladaptor 500 a of FIG. 5A according to an implementation (looking throughthe side of lenses 504 and 508). Note that each lens can be of adifferent thickness depending upon the type of material, magnificationneeded, etc. In other implementations, the upper surfaces of the lensescan be aligned while the bottom surfaces are of a staggered appearanceto provide a smooth outer appearance and to allow for ease of cleaning,less reflectivity, etc.

The foregoing description is provided in the context of one or moreparticular implementations. Various modifications, alterations, andpermutations of the disclosed implementations can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. For example, although theforegoing afocal adaptor has been described in terms of attachment tothe thermal imaging adaptor and mobile device illustrated in FIG. 1, aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the afocal adaptor canbe adapted to attach to/be used with any other camera/optical system ina manner consistent with this disclosure. In addition, although theafocal adaptor has been illustrated in particular shapes/configurations,as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the afocal adaptorcan be configured to be any shape/configuration consistent with thisdisclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limitedonly to the described and/or illustrated implementations, but is to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and featuresdisclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An afocal adaptor, comprising: a housingincluding: a first and a second optical channel; a divider configuredbetween the first optical channel and the second optical channel toprevent transmission of electromagnetic radiation between the firstoptical channel and the second optical channel; and at least one lensassociated with each of the first optical channel and the second opticalchannel, wherein the at least one lens is configured to influenceelectromagnetic radiation received at the at least one lens prior to theelectromagnetic radiation entering each corresponding channel and toguide correspondingly influenced electromagnetic radiation through eachof the first optical channel and the second optical channel and into acorresponding first receiving optical channel and a second receivingoptical channel associated with an optical device; a coupling mechanismattached to the housing and configured to permit attachment of thehousing to the optical device; and a mirror assembly to guide influencedelectromagnetic radiation through a particular optical channel and intoa particular receiving optical channel associated with the opticaldevice.
 2. The afocal adaptor of claim 1, wherein the optical device isan optical adaptor coupled to a mobile computing device.
 3. The afocaladaptor of claim 2, wherein the optical adaptor is a thermal imagingdevice.
 4. The afocal adaptor of claim 1, comprising an adjustmentmechanism configured to permit adjustment of the at least one lens inrelation to other lenses along or perpendicular to a particular opticalchannel.
 5. The afocal adaptor of claim 1, wherein the at least one lensis configured of a material belonging to the group consisting ofGermanium (Ge), quartz, AMTIER, barium fluoride, calcium fluoride,sodium chloride, CLEARTRAN, fused silica, silicon, polyethylene, and IRtransparent ceramics.
 6. The afocal adaptor of claim 1, comprising ahermitic seal in at least one of the first optical channel or the secondoptical channel.
 7. The afocal adaptor of claim 6, wherein at least oneof the first optical channel or the second optical channel is nitrogenpurged.
 8. The afocal adaptor of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanismbelongs to a group consisting of a magnet, a magnetically attractivematerial, threading, a clip, a screw, a locking-type surface, and anadhesive.
 9. An afocal adaptor for use with an optical device, theafocal adaptor having a coupling mechanism affixed to a housingpermitting attachment of the housing to the optical device, the housingincluding a divider between a first optical channel and a second opticalchannel preventing transmission of electromagnetic radiation between thefirst optical channel and the second optical channel, at least one lensassociated with each of the first optical channel and the second opticalchannel, wherein the first optical channel and the second opticalchannel channels electromagnetic radiation influenced by a correspondingat least one lens, respectively, into a corresponding first receivingoptical channel and a second receiving optical channel associated withthe optical device, and a mirror assembly to guide influencedelectromagnetic radiation through a particular optical channel and intoa particular receiving optical channel associated with the opticaldevice.
 10. The afocal adaptor of claim 9 having an adjustment mechanismconfigured to permit adjustment of the at least one lens in relation toother lenses along or perpendicular to a particular optical channel. 11.The afocal adaptor of claim 10, wherein a particular at least one lensprovides a focal point for each of the first optical channel and thesecond optical channel and guides a particular type of electromagneticradiation through each of the first optical channel and the secondoptical channel.
 12. A method for providing an afocal adaptor for anoptical device, comprising: receiving electromagnetic radiation with atleast one lens associated with each of a first optical channel and asecond optical channel; influencing the electromagnetic radiation usingeach of the at least one lenses; guiding influenced electromagneticradiation into each of the first optical channel and the second opticalchannel using a corresponding at least one lens; preventing transmissionof the influenced electromagnetic radiation between the first opticalchannel and the second optical channel using a divider between the firstoptical channel and the second optical channel; and guiding theinfluenced electromagnetic radiation through each of the first opticalchannel and the second optical channel and into a corresponding firstreceiving optical channel and a second receiving optical channelassociated with the optical device, wherein a mirror assembly guides theinfluenced electromagnetic radiation through a particular opticalchannel and into a particular receiving optical channel associated withthe optical device.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein influencing theelectromagnetic radiation includes blocking all but infrared (IR)electromagnetic radiation.
 14. The method of claim 12, comprising usingan adjustment mechanism to adjust at least one lens in relation to otherlenses along or perpendicular to a particular optical channel.
 15. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the at least one lens is configured of amaterial belonging to the group consisting of Germanium (Ge), quartz,AMTIER, barium fluoride, calcium fluoride, sodium chloride, CLEARTRAN,fused silica, silicon, polyethylene, and IR transparent ceramics. 16.The method of claim 12, comprising creating a hermetic seal in at leastone of the first optical channel or the second optical channel.
 17. Themethod of claim 12, comprising coupling a housing of the afocal adaptorto the optical device.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein a couplingmechanism attached to the housing belongs to a group consisting of amagnet, a magnetically attractive material, threading, a clip, a screw,a locking-type surface, and an adhesive.